In this powerful episode of Untold Valor, U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and author Vanessa Morbeck opens up about her journey through trauma, survival, and recovery. After enduring multiple assaults during her military service and navigating years of isolation and injustice, Vanessa shares how she’s worked to rebuild her life- finding strength in motherhood, faith, and fitness. This is a raw, emotional, and deeply human story about resilience, redemption, and the ongoing fight for healing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Vanessa’s military journey and the challenges she faced after assault
• How PTSD has impacted Vanessa’s story
• The role bodybuilding has played in her recovery
• Finding motivation through motherhood
• The power of faith, community, and consistency in the rebuilding process

0:00 – Intro

1:21 – Getting to know Vanessa  

5:05 – Body building and self-healing  

6:30 – Finding purpose in the pain

Vanessa Morbeck

Vanessa Morbeck is a U.S. Army veteran, author of Unseen Unheard Soldier, and a motivational speaker dedicated to empowering survivors of trauma. As a single mother and wellness athlete, she uses her story to inspire resilience, healing, and transformation. Through her platform, Vanessa advocates for mental health awareness, veteran support, and body positivity, encouraging others to reclaim their strength in both body and mind. She is preparing for her first bodybuilding competition in September 2025 as a way to give back gratitude and respect to the veteran community.

EPISODE LINKS

Check out Vanessa’s book:

https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Unheard-Soldier-Military-Autobiography-ebook/dp/B08FHD9H7R 

OTHER RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q